JPH0242568A - Method and device for display control of expendables exchange procedure - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To flexibly cope with the addition of expendables to be exchanged and the change of exchange procedure by providing a control part for selection message of expendables and a control part for exchange message of expendables and sharing the exchange procedure of expendables. CONSTITUTION:When a selection switch 121 is pushed, an input part 12 transmits a selection signal to an SMD control part 14. The part 14 sends a selection message for expendables to a display part 11 from expendables selection message control part 13 in the prescribed order and displays the message. When the selection message is displayed at the part 11 for the desired expendables to be exchanged, an operator pushes a changeover switch 122. A CMD control part 16 receives an exchange signal with push of the switch 122 and takes out the exchange messages out of an expendables exchange message control part 15 based on the exchange procedure as the exchange messages for selected expendables. These exchange messages are sent to the part 11 and displayed there.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Summary] Concerning a consumables replacement procedure display control method and device for displaying various consumables replacement procedures for devices such as printers on a display unit, the consumables replacement operation control procedure is standardized and replaced. Consumables replacement procedure control that can flexibly deal with the addition of target consumables and change procedures, and displays the replacement procedure for each consumable to be replaced on the display in message format, with the aim of improving the reliability of the control program. The method is to provide a consumables selection message management unit to manage selection messages for selecting consumables to be replaced for each consumable item, and to provide a consumables exchange message management unit to manage various exchange messages regarding replacement operation procedures for each consumable item. are managed for each consumable item, and messages selected from the consumable selection message management section are displayed on the display section in order for each consumable item, and the replacement message is displayed in the replacement operation procedure for the selected consumable item. The exchange operation procedure is taken out from the section and displayed on the display section in the order of the replacement operation procedure.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to a consumables replacement procedure display control method for displaying various consumables replacement procedures for devices such as printers on a display unit, and a consumables replacement procedure display control device suitable for carrying out the method.

[Conventional technology]

In devices such as printers, when parts become worn out during use, it is necessary to replace the consumables.

For example, in a printer, toner, developer, etc. are consumed during use, so these consumables are replaced each time according to a predetermined operating procedure.

The contents of the replacement work for consumables generally differ depending on each consumable. FIG. 7 shows an example of a conventional consumable replacement operation procedure using three types of consumables A to C as an example. Consumables A are easy to replace, and there is no need to confirm that intermediate processing has been performed normally. Consumables B are to be replaced while confirming that intermediate processing has been performed normally. The consumable item C is an example of a case where device processing is performed as an intermediate process during the replacement operation. The replacement operation procedures for each of these consumables A to C are displayed and controlled by respective control programs.

Hereinafter, the replacement operation of consumables A to C will be explained according to each processing step of the consumables replacement process flowchart of FIG. 7.

(a) Replacement of Part A When a request for replacement of consumable A is displayed on the operating device side or as required by the operator, a request for replacement of consumable A is input. This is done, for example, by pressing the replacement switch A of the desired replacement target consumable A among the replacement switches (none of which are shown) for each consumable provided on the operation panel (process Sl).

A replacement operation control unit (not shown) in the device determines whether the consumable item A is to be replaced based on the replacement signal A generated when the replacement switch A is pressed.

When the replacement target is consumable A, the replacement operation procedure for consumable A is displayed on the operation panel of the device (process Sa,).

The operator performs an operation to replace the consumable item A according to the displayed replacement operation procedure. The replacement operation control unit waits for the replacement operation of the consumable item A to be completed (processing Sa).

When the replacement operation control unit detects the completion of replacement of part A, it performs initialization processing necessary to bring the replaced new consumable item A into a usable state (processing Sa,).

(b) Replacement operation of consumable item B When replacing consumable item B, exchange switch B is pressed and exchange signal B is generated. The replacement operation control unit detects that the consumable to be replaced is B based on the replacement signal B, performs processing S,, SZ), and first displays procedure ■ on the operation panel from among the multiple replacement operation procedures for consumable B. (Processing Sbl
).

When the operator performs the operation instructed in step (2), the exchange operation control section determines whether or not the operation in step (2) was performed correctly (process Sbz, 5b3). If the operation is performed incorrectly, have the user perform the operation in step (■) again.

When it is detected that the operation in step ■ has been performed correctly, the next step ■ is similarly displayed, and it is determined whether the operator has performed the operation in step ■ correctly (processes Sb4, S
bs, Sbb).

When the exchange operation control unit detects that the operation in step (3) has been performed correctly and therefore the exchange of consumable B is completed, it performs initialization processing for the new consumable B that has been exchanged (process 5).
b7).

This replacement control method for consumables B is performed in the same way even when the procedure is performed three or more times, and is used when a plurality of operations need to be performed in a predetermined order, such as when replacing toner in a printer, for example.

(C) Replacing operation of consumable item C When replacing consumable item C, replacement switch C is pressed and replacement signal C is generated. The replacement operation control unit detects that the part to be replaced is the consumable item C based on the replacement signal C, performs processing S,, S2), and first displays procedure ■ on the operation panel from among the multiple replacement procedures for the consumable item C. (processing Sc,)
.

When the operator performs the displayed procedure (3), the device performs certain preparatory operations. For example, when replacing the developer in a printer, the old developer is first controlled to be discharged, and the printer performs an operation to discharge the old developer. The replacement operation control unit waits for the preparation operation of the device to end (processing S02
．． 5C3).

When the preparation operation of the device is completed, the replacement operation control unit is notified of this (processing 5c4). When you receive this notification,
The replacement operation control unit displays the replacement procedure for consumable C.
The end of the operation is waited for (processing SC5, Se4). For example, in the case of replacing the developer described above, once the old developer has been discharged, a procedure for injecting new developer into the developer bottle is displayed, and the injection operation is performed.

When the replacement operation control unit detects that the replacement of the consumable item C is completed after completing the operation in step (2), it performs initialization processing for the new consumable item C (processing 5C7).

The exchange control system for parts A to C has been described above, and these are executed by respective control programs.

When a consumable item to be replaced is added, a control program for a new route for the consumable item replacement process is created.

Also, when replacing consumables using a procedure different from that shown in Figure 7,
For example, when there is a change in the number of times each procedure is performed, such as an increase, or when there is a change in the content of each procedure, a new control program for executing the procedure is created.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

As described above, in the conventional consumables replacement operation control method, a control program is created for each consumable to be replaced to control the replacement operation. In other words, the conventional system has a structure that takes consumables into account within the program.

For this reason, the control program is not scalable, and if consumables to be replaced are added or the replacement procedure is changed, a new route for the corresponding control program must be created. There was a problem that the control program increased. Furthermore, since this control program is different for each consumable item, there are problems in that the number of exception handling increases, the reliability of the control program decreases, and testing thereof is not easy.

The present invention has been improved by standardizing the consumables replacement operation control procedure, making it possible to flexibly deal with the addition of consumables to be replaced and changing the procedure, improving the reliability of the control program, and simplifying its testing. It is an object of the present invention to provide a consumables replacement procedure display control method and a consumables replacement procedure display control device suitable for carrying out the method.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the means employed in the consumables replacement procedure display control method of the present invention and the consumables replacement procedure display device used to implement the method will be explained with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic configuration of a consumables replacement procedure display device according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a display section on which the contents of the consumables selection procedure and the consumables replacement procedure are displayed.

Reference numeral 12 denotes an input section for inputting necessary information to display the consumables replacement procedure, a selection switch for selecting the consumables to be replaced, and an exchange switch 1 for selecting the replacement procedure for the selected consumables.
It is equipped with 22.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a consumables selection message management unit that manages selection messages for selecting consumables to be replaced for each consumable.

Reference numeral 14 denotes a selection message display control unit (hereinafter referred to as SMD control unit), which displays a selection message for each consumable item managed by the consumable item selection message management unit 13 every time a selection signal is sent from the input unit 12 by pressing the selection switch 121. Control is performed to select one in order and display it on the display unit 11.

Reference numeral 15 denotes a consumables replacement message management unit that manages various replacement messages related to the replacement operation procedure of each consumable for each consumable.

16 is an exchange message display control unit (hereinafter referred to as CMDlil)
1m section), the exchange switch 122 is connected from the input section 12.
Every time a replacement signal is sent by pressing, a replacement message for the selected consumable is retrieved from the consumable replacement message management section 15 according to the replacement operation procedure and displayed on the display section 11.
Control the display on the screen.

On the other hand, the consumables replacement procedure display control method of the present invention is implemented by the aforementioned consumables replacement procedure display control device, and is configured as follows.

That is, in the consumables replacement process display control method of displaying the replacement procedure of each consumable to be replaced on the display means 11 in a message format, (A) the consumables selection message management section 13 is provided to select the consumables to be replaced. A selection message for selection is managed for each consumable item, and (B) a consumable item exchange message management unit 15 is provided to manage various exchange messages regarding various exchange operation procedures regarding the replacement procedure of each consumable item for each consumable item. (C) The selection message for each consumable managed by the consumable selection message management unit 13 is displayed on the display unit 1 in order for each consumable.
1, and (D) retrieves replacement messages regarding the replacement operation procedure of the selected consumable from the consumable replacement message management section 15 in the order of the replacement operation procedure and displays them on the display section 11. Ru.

[For production]

Since the operation of the consumables replacement procedure display control method of the present invention has the same contents as the operation of the consumables replacement procedure display control device of the present invention, the following description will focus on the operation of the consumables replacement process display control device of the present invention. do.

■ When the selection switch 121 of the input section 12 is pressed by the operator, the input section 12 generates a selection signal and selects S.
It is sent to the MD control section 14.

(2) When the SMD control unit 14 receives a selection signal from the input means 12, it first sends a selection message for selecting the first consumable item from the consumable item selection message management unit 13 to the display unit 11 in a predetermined order for display. If the first consumable item displayed is consumable item A, then, for example, "Do you want to replace consumable item A?" is displayed as a message for selecting the consumable item.

(2) If the displayed consumable is not the desired consumable to be replaced, the operator presses the selection switch 121 of the input section 12 again. As a result, the aforementioned processes (1) and (2) are repeated, and a selection message for selecting the next consumable item is displayed.

The operator repeats the operation of pressing the selection switch 121 until a selection message for the desired consumable to be replaced is displayed.

(2) When the selection message for the desired consumable item to be replaced is displayed on the display unit 11, the operator presses the replacement switch. This generates an exchange signal and CM D
The signal is input to the III control section 16.

- When a replacement signal is sent from the input unit 12, the CMD control unit 16 retrieves the first replacement message from the consumable replacement message management unit 15 according to the replacement procedure as a replacement message for the selected consumable, and displays it on the display unit 11. Send it and display it.

■ The operator performs a replacement operation on the selected consumable item according to the displayed contents of the replacement message.

If the consumable replacement operation consists of multiple intermediate operations, the first intermediate operation is performed.

(2) When the first intermediate operation is completed, the operator presses the exchange switch 122 of the input section 12 again.

As a result, the processes from ■ to ■ described above are repeated, and this time an exchange message regarding the second intermediate operation is displayed.
A second intermediate operation is performed according to the displayed content.

Thereafter, by repeating the above-mentioned processes ■ to ■, the replacement messages for each intermediate process are retrieved from the consumables replacement message management unit 15 in a predetermined order according to the replacement procedure, and are displayed on the display unit 11 in a predetermined order. each intermediate operation is performed.

■ When all intermediate operations according to the exchange procedure are completed, an exchange message indicating that the exchange operation has been completed is displayed, and the exchange process ends.

When the number of consumables is added, by adding a consumables selection message for the additional consumables to the consumables selection message management unit 13, the consumables to be replaced can be selected and replaced using the same steps as described in ■ to ■. Exchanges can be made. In addition, even if there is a change in the replacement procedure, by changing the contents of the replacement message stored in the consumables replacement message management unit 13 in accordance with the changed procedure, it is possible to change the replacement message even if the replacement procedure is the same as described above. You can select and target consumables.

As described above, by providing the consumables selection message management section 13 and the consumables replacement message management section 15, it becomes possible to absorb the addition of consumables and changes in the consumables replacement procedure, and the number of consumables and Regardless of the contents of the replacement procedure, the selection of the consumable to be replaced and the replacement procedure for the selected consumable, that is, the control program, can be made common.

This makes it possible to flexibly deal with the addition of consumables to be replaced and changes in the replacement procedure, thereby improving the extensibility of the control program.

Furthermore, since the addition of consumables and changes in consumables replacement procedures are absorbed by each message management section, exception handling in the control program can be reduced and reliability of the control program can be improved. can be easily tested.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the consumables replacement processing display control method and apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, taking the case of a printer as an example. Since the embodiment of the consumables replacement process display control method is the same as the operation content of the same device, it will be explained together with the explanation of the operation of the consumables replacement process display control device.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the consumables replacement processing display control device of the present invention, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of various tables related to selection messages and replacement messages used in the same embodiment, and FIG. An explanatory diagram of the format of the consumables selection message frame and the consumables replacement message frame used, FIG. 5 is a processing flowchart for the consumables selection operation in the same embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a processing flowchart for the consumables replacement operation in the same embodiment. It is.

(A) Configuration of consumables replacement operation display control device In FIG.
The consumables exchange message management section 15, exchange message display control section (CMD control section) 16, selection switch 121, and exchange switch 122 are as described in FIG.

In the display unit 11, a display device 111 displays messages and screens necessary for printer processing, storage, and management in addition to selected messages and exchange messages. Reference numeral 112 denotes a display control unit that controls display of the selection message input from the SMD III control unit 14 and the exchange message input from the CMD control unit 16 on the display 111.

In the input unit 12, 123 is a switch panel, in addition to the selection switch 121 and the exchange switch 12, various switches necessary for printer operation (for example, start, stop,
(Switches for reset, paper ejection, etc., none shown)
can be installed.

124 is a switch signal generator, which includes a selection switch 121;
When the exchange switch 122 and other switches (not shown) are pressed, a selection signal, an exchange signal, and a switch signal corresponding to each switch are generated.

The display 111 and switch panel 123 are mounted on the operation panel 17.

In the consumables selection message management section 13, 131 is a selection message management table in which management information related to the selection message of each consumable is stored for each consumable. 1
Reference numeral 32 denotes a selection message table in which a selection message for each consumable is stored for each consumable.

In the consumables exchange message management section 15, reference numeral 151 denotes an exchange message management table in which management information related to exchange messages for each consumable is stored for each consumable. 1
Reference numeral 52 denotes a replacement message table in which replacement messages for each consumable item are stored for each consumable item.

18 is a main storage device (hereinafter referred to as MS) in which the aforementioned tables 131, 132, 151, 152, etc. are arranged.

Note that the illustrated arrangement of each table is a conceptual diagram, and the actual arrangement will be explained with reference to FIG. 3.

In MSlB, 181 is a work area, in which the selected message management table 131 that is being processed is stored in the work area 181W.
Alternatively, the management information of the exchanged message management table 151 is copied. Reference numeral 182 denotes a flag table, which includes a replacement flag (indicated by CF) that designates the replacement processing status of consumables, as well as various flags that designate the status of the printer. The replacement flag CF is set to "00" in the initial state, "01" is set when a consumable item to be replaced is selected, and "02" is set when a consumable item is replaced. Note that before the start of the exchange process, the exchange flag CF is set to the initial state "00".

Note that MSlB includes a program area (not shown) in which each control program that controls the operation of each processor (not shown) of the SMD control unit 14 and the CMD control unit 16 is stored.

Next, referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, each management table 1
31, 151 and each message table 132 and 15
The configuration of the second class will be explained.

In FIG. 3, 183 is a message management table section, in which a work area 181W in the work area 181 is allocated to the first area DS, a selected message management table 131 is allocated to the following areas DS, ~DSN-, and the following area is D
Exchange message management table 15 in the area after S N
1 is assigned.

A message frame (the message frame will be explained in the following FIG. 4) in the selected message management table 131 or the exchanged message management table 151 being processed is copied to the work area 181W.

Each area D3g, D of the selected message management table 131
33 etc., a consumables selection message frame in the format described in FIG. 4 below is stored as management information related to the selection message of each consumables. The reserve area is provided for an additional consumables selection message frame.

Each area DSN and D of the exchanged message management table 151
In SN+1, etc., as management information related to the replacement message for each consumable, consumable replacement message frames in the format explained in FIG. 4 below are arranged according to a predetermined replacement operation procedure for each consumable. . The reserve area is
This is provided for the additional consumables replacement message frame.

184 is a message table section, which is an area DM.

, DMF-, are assigned the selected message table 132, and the exchange message table 152 is assigned to the area after the area DMP.

Each area DM of the selected message table 132.

, DM, etc., store the selected message of the selected message frame to be linked. Each area D MP , D MP-1, etc. of the exchange message table 152 stores exchange messages of linked exchange message frames. Each selected message and exchanged message is assigned a message number and is identified by this number.

FIG. 4 shows the format of each selection message frame and exchange message frame of FIG. 3, and this format is common to both message frames.

Storage area A of a message frame stores information indicating whether the process specified by the frame is possible, that is, whether it is valid or invalid.

Storage area B stores information regarding operation mode l. In operation mode 1, a standby event and the role played by the frame are stored. An event in which the operator presses the selection switch 121 or the exchange switch 122 as a standby event;
There is a process such as completion of printer processing that is performed as part of the exchange process. Further, the role of the frame includes, for example, the role of displaying a message and the role of linking to the next frame.

Storage area C stores information regarding operation mode 2. In operation mode 2, various preparation processes necessary before performing the exchange process are instructed, which are operations to be performed when an event that is on standby in operation mode 1 occurs.

Information regarding the display mode is stored in the storage area.

The display modes include a single display mode in which the message content is displayed at once, and a split display mode in which the message content is divided and displayed alternately at regular intervals. The split display mode is used when the contents of the message cannot be displayed on the display 111 at one time.

Storage area E stores the frame number of the consumables selection or replacement message frame linked to the occurring state. For example, the number of the next frame to be linked is stored corresponding to each state when the selection switch or exchange switch is pressed. When the replacement process for the consumable item is completed, "0" is set as the frame number.

Storage area F stores the message number of the selected message or exchange message linked to the frame.

Storage area G stores message numbers linked in the split display mode.

The contents of each storage area of each message frame are determined in advance by the replacement processing procedure for each consumable item, so the contents are written during the initialization processing of the printer.

(B) Operation of Embodiment The operation of an embodiment of the consumables replacement procedure display control device of the present invention, that is, an embodiment of the consumables replacement procedure control method of the present invention, is explained by each process shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This will be explained with reference to a flowchart.

There are many consumables that need to be replaced in a printer, such as toner and developer, but during the developer replacement process, processing corresponding to the replacement of other consumables is included as an intermediate operation. The operation of the embodiment will be explained by taking the agent replacement operation as an example.

(1) Selection operation of consumables to be replaced First, with reference to the consumables selection processing flowchart of FIG. 5, the selection operation of consumables (developer) to be replaced will be described according to the processing steps.

(2) Process S1 When a replacement factor occurs in a consumable item or when an operator requests replacement, a message indicating that there is a consumable item is displayed on the display 111. When this display is displayed, the operator presses the selection switch 121.

When the selection switch 121 is pressed, the switch signal generation section 124 generates a selection signal and sends it to the SMD control section 14 .

■ Processing SIO9S11 When the SMD control unit 14 receives the first selection signal,
Referring to the exchange flag CF in the flag table 182, it is determined whether it is in the initial state "00". Before starting the exchange process, the exchange flag CF is set to the initial state "00". After detecting the initial state roo from the replacement flag CF, the SMD control unit 14 updates the consumable selection state to "01".

■ Process S11ySI3 When the exchange flag CF is in the initial state, the SMDI control unit 14 transfers the consumable A selected message frame in the second frame of the selected message management table 131, that is, the area DS, to the first frame, that is, the message management table unit 1.
83 leading area DS.

After copying the frame to the work area 181W, the frame is processed (see FIG. 3). In this way, each frame is stored in the work area 181W at the beginning of the message management table section 183.
By copying the frame to the frame currently being processed, the frame currently being processed can be detected immediately if necessary.

The frame for what kind of message is placed in the first area DS (second frame) differs depending on the consumables selection procedure (for example, the number of consumables may be displayed), but in this embodiment, the consumables Assume that this is a selected message frame for item A.

(2) Processing S13pS14 The SMD control 14 first refers to the storage area A of the consumable item A selection message frame and determines whether or not the frame can be processed. If the process cannot be performed, that is, if the process of replacing consumable A cannot be executed for some reason, the process moves to the next numbered consumable B selection message frame in the DSs area, and determines whether or not that frame can be processed. (Process 314.513).

■ Process 315 In the above-mentioned process Sll, when the first message frame of consumable A can be processed, the SMD control means 14 learns the message number of the selected message table 132 linked to this frame from the storage area F, and stores the message number. The selected message (supposed to be in the area DM) is retrieved and sent to the display control section 112, and is displayed on the display 111 according to the display mode specified by the storage area. It is assumed that the display mode of all selected messages is a single display mode.

As a selection message for the consumable A, for example, the following message is displayed on the display 111.

(selected message) ■ Processing S.

If the selection message for consumable A displayed on the display 111 is not the developer of the desired consumable to be replaced, the operator presses the selection switch 121 in accordance with the instructions of the displayed selection message (process s Ie). The switch signal generation section 124 generates a selection signal and sends the SMD control section 1
Send to 4.

The SMD control unit 14 refers to the exchange flag CF and detects that it is in the consumable selection state "01", that is, it is not in the initial state "00" (process S++). ■ Process 516 The exchange flag CF is in the initial state. When the status is not “00”, SMD
! The II control unit 14 refers to the storage area B of the consumable item A selection message frame currently being processed in the first work area 181W of the message management table unit 183, and determines the contents of the operation mode 1. In storage area B, "wait for selection switch" is set as operation mode 1.

■ Processing 31? When operation mode 1 is "wait for selection switch", the SMD control unit 14 refers to storage area E and detects a frame linked to the "wait for selection switch" state (process 5at-).

In this case, the selection message frame for consumable item B to be displayed next is designated as the link frame. Note that if there is no consumables selection message to be displayed next, the frame number "0" is set.

(2) Processing 5I8tS13 to SIStSI9 The SMD control unit 14 determines whether the frame number is not "0" (processing S's). If the frame number is not "0",
The above-mentioned processes S and 3 to SIS are performed to display on the display 111 a selection message for consumable B, which has the same contents as the selection message for consumable A described above. In addition, consumables B
The selected message frame is stored in the work area 181W at the beginning of the message management table section 183, as described above.
is copied and processed.

Thereafter, in the same manner, the above-mentioned processes are repeated until the selection message for the desired developer is displayed, and the selection messages for consumables C and below are displayed in order.

Note that when the frame number becomes "0" in processing SI8, a reason for returning to the initial state is given (processing SZ,)
, the consumables selection message is displayed again in order from the first one.

(2) Replacement operation of consumables to be replaced Next, with reference to the consumables replacement processing flowchart of FIG. 6, the replacement operation of the consumables to be replaced (developer) selected according to the processing steps will be described.

(2) Processing S2 When the desired developer selection message is displayed on the display 111, the operator presses the exchange switch 122 in accordance with the instructions of the selection message. When the exchange switch 122 is pressed, the switch signal generation section 124 generates an exchange signal and sends it to the CMD control section 16.

■ Process S0 Upon receiving the replacement signal, the CMD control unit 16 changes the replacement flag CF in the flag table 182 to the consumables selection state "
The consumables replacement status is updated from "01" to "02". Furthermore,
Work area 181 at the beginning of message management table section 183
The storage area B of the developer selection message frame currently being processed in W is referred to, and the contents of the operation mode 1 are determined. In storage area B, "wait for exchange switch" is set as operation mode 1.

■ Processing S! t s S 23 When "waiting for replacement switch" is detected from operation mode 1, CM D II Ogoribu 16 refers to the next storage area C,
Check whether there is a process instructed by operation mode 2 (process S2
□). When there is a process instructed by operation mode 2, the preparation process necessary for performing the exchange process is performed according to the instruction (process 523).

In the case of developer replacement, an intermediate mechanical operation performed by the printer mechanism as described later is involved, so in accordance with the instruction in operation mode 2, a message is sent to the printer mechanism (not shown) to start the developer exchange operation. Various preparation processes necessary for issuing a command and performing a developer replacement operation are performed.

[Phase] Processing Sz4 When the preparation process instructed by operation mode 2 is completed, CM
D! The control unit 16 refers to the storage area E of the developer selection message frame and detects the link frame corresponding to the state of operation mode 2 (process 5zi). A replacement message frame (if there are multiple replacement message frames, the first replacement message frame) for the consumable item is specified. In the case of a developer selection message frame, the storage area E indicates the number of the first developer exchange message frame (located in areas DS, . . . K, hereinafter referred to as exchange message frame (1)).

The CMDi#I control unit 16 copies the first developer exchange message frame (1) in the area DSN-K of the exchange message management table 151 that has been instructed to be copied to the work area 181W at the head of the message management table 183.

■ Processing SO5 CMDIIJ? The i1 section 16 detects whether the frame number of the first developer exchange message frame (1) is not "0". The frame number will not become "rQ" until the exchange process is completed and there are no more exchange messages to display. Note that the frame number of the first exchange message frame (1) is detected from the storage area of the selected message frame to be linked, but the frame number of the next exchange message frame (2) linked to exchange message frame (1) is detected from the storage area of the selected message frame to be linked. , is set in the storage area of the immediately previous exchange message frame (1).

■ Processing SZ&, S2? ) When the frame number is not "0", the SzmCMD control unit 16 uses the storage area F.
The message number in the exchange message table 152 linked to this frame (1) is known, and the exchange message with that message number (referred to as exchange message (1-1)) is retrieved and sent to the display control section 112. In the case of developer, the first exchange message (1-1) to be linked is in area DMF,K of the selection message table 132.

The CMD control unit 16 further detects the display mode of the storage area (processing S2.). Assume that the display mode of the developer replacement message is a split display mode in which the message is displayed on multiple screens. In this case, display control is performed according to the display mode (processing S2.).

That is, in the case of the split display mode, first, the first exchange message (1-1) whose message number indicated by the storage area F is in areas DC, K of the exchange message table 152 is displayed on the display 111. Ru. The exchange message (1-1) has the following content, for example, and is displayed for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 seconds).

(Exchange message (1-1)) When the exchange message (1-1) is displayed, the CMD control unit 16 refers to the storage area G and displays the exchange message (1-1).
), and detects the exchange message number linked next to the message number (exchange message (
1-2)) is taken out from the exchange message table 152 (located in area DMp, x-1) and displayed on the display 111.

The exchange message (1-2) has the following contents, for example.

Exchange message (1-1) and exchange message (1-2)
are displayed alternately at predetermined intervals (for example, every 5 seconds).

The CMD control unit 16 controls exchange message (1-1) and (
1-2) are displayed alternately, and waits for the operator to press the exchange switch 122 after performing operations according to exchange messages (1-1) and (1-2) (process 528).
).

In the printer mechanism section, a process of discharging old developer to a collection bolt is performed by an operator's operation.

■ Processing S2゜~S29 The operator exchanges messages (li) and (1-2).
After completing the operation of the contents displayed, the user presses the exchange switch 122 in accordance with the instructions of the exchange message (1-2).

When the exchange switch 122 is pressed, the above-mentioned S26 is performed again.
-SZt processing is repeated. This time, processing SZO~
In S24, the exchange message frame (1) is stored in the storage area E.
The exchange message frame (exchange message frame (2) in the next area DSN+x*+ of the exchange message management table 151 is
) is retrieved and stored in the message management table 18.
3 is copied to the first work area 181W.

Next, processes S25 to S2. As a result, an exchange message (referred to as exchange message (2)) linked to exchange message frame (2) is retrieved from exchange message table 152 from the message number indicated in storage area F of exchange message frame (2) (area D + to Mp+
z) is displayed on the display 111.

The developer replacement message (2) is displayed in single display mode, and has the following content, for example.

(Exchange message (2)) For this exchange message (2), there is no waiting for the exchange switch to be pressed. Therefore, the determination in process 5ell is "NO", and the operator and the CMD control section 16 wait for the completion of the old developer discharge process being performed in the printer mechanism section (process S2.).

The developer discharge process is completed in several tens of seconds, but all switches are disabled during this time. When the developer discharge process is completed, the printer mechanism section notifies the CMD control section 16 of the completion.

[Phase] Processing S2° to SZS When the printer mechanism unit notifies the end of the old developer discharge process, the above-mentioned processing from 32° to sit is repeated.

As a result, the next exchange message frame (referred to as exchange message frame (3) and located in area DSH+1+□ of the exchange message management table 151) linked to exchange message frame (2) is copied to the work area 181W as a frame to be processed. Ru. Next, the exchange message linked to this exchange message frame (3) is retrieved from the exchange message table 152 and displayed on the display 111.

The display mode indicated by the exchange message frame (3) is the split display mode, and the exchange message table 152
Area DM? , 11°, and the two exchange messages (3-1) and (3-2) at DMr*w+a are linked. The exchange messages (3-1) and (3-2) have the following contents, and are displayed alternately at predetermined intervals of about 5 seconds.

(Exchange message (3-1)) (Exchange message (3-2)) The CMD control unit 16 sends exchange message (3-1) and (
3-2) are displayed alternately, and after the operator performs operations according to these exchange messages (3-1) and (3-2), the process waits for the operator to press the exchange switch 122 (processing 521I).

In the printer mechanism section, new developer is injected by an operator's operation.

[Phase] Processing S2° to S29 The operator exchanges messages (3-1) and (3-2)
), press the exchange switch 122 according to the instructions of the exchange message (3-2).
Press .

When the exchange switch 122 is pressed, the process from 32° to szq described above is repeated again. This time, the next exchange message frame linked to exchange message frame (3) (referred to as exchange message frame (4) and located in area DS N 4 k of the exchange message management table 151) is set as the processing target frame in the work area. Copied to 181W. Next, this exchange message frame (4
) link to an exchange message (Exchange message (4)
) is taken out from the exchange message table 152 (area DMr-x.

) is displayed on the display 111.

The developer replacement message (4) is displayed in single display mode, and has the following content, for example.

(Exchange message (4)) For this exchange message (4), there is no waiting for the exchange switch to be pressed. Therefore, the process 5ell is determined to be "NO", and the operator and the CM D %i control unit 16
Wait until the new developer injection process being performed in the printer mechanism section is completed (process S2.).

The developer injection process is completed in several tens of seconds, but all switches are disabled during this time. When the developer injection process ends, the printer mechanism section notifies the CMD control section 16 of the end.

[Phase] Process 52 (1 to 5ill) When the printer mechanism unit notifies the end of the injection process of new developer, the above-mentioned processes S2 to S27 are repeated.This causes a link to the exchange message frame (4). The next exchange message frame (exchange message frame (5)) to be exchanged message management table 15
1 (in area DSH+++4) is copied to the work area 181W as a frame to be processed.0 Next, it is extracted from the exchange message table 152 linked to this exchange message frame (5) and displayed on the display 111. Ru.

The display mode indicated by the exchange message frame (5) is the split display mode, and the exchange message table 152
The two exchange messages (5-1) and (5-2) in the areas DCpaw+h and DCr-r are linked. The exchange messages (5-1) and (5-2) have the following contents, and are displayed alternately at predetermined intervals of about 5 seconds.

(Exchange message (5-1)) CMDIIJ? The i1 section 161 stores the exchange message (5-
1) and (5-2) are displayed alternately, and waits for the operator to press the exchange switch 122 after performing operations according to these exchange messages (5-1) and (5-2) ( Processing 528).

It is assumed that the developer replacement process is completely completed by the operation instructed by the replacement message (5-2). Therefore, the frame number of the exchange message frame linked to exchange message frame (5) is set to "0".

■ Processing S2゜~S□, S2゜The operator exchanges messages (5-1) and (5-2)
), press the exchange switch 122 according to the instructions of the exchange message (5-2).
Press .

When the exchange switch 122 is pressed, the above-described processes S2° to SZS are repeated again. This retrieves the next exchange message frame linked to exchange message frame (5), but the exchange message frame (
5), "0" is detected as the link frame number set in the storage area (processing S2.).

When "0" is detected in the link frame number, the CMD control unit 16 determines that all consumables (developer) replacement operations have been completed, and performs replacement completion processing (processing S).

).

(3) Processing in the event of an erroneous operation If there was an error in the operation during each process for replacing consumables, the erroneous operation was not performed and the next erroneous operation message was displayed for a predetermined period of time (for example, about 5 seconds). After that, the message for the same operation procedure is displayed again.

(Error message) These processes are performed by SM during the process of selecting consumables to be replaced.
This is performed by the D control unit 14, and is performed by the CMD control unit 16 during the replacement process of the selected consumable item.

Above, an example of displaying a consumables replacement procedure using the consumables replacement procedure display control method and apparatus of the present invention has been described by taking developer replacement as an example. be able to.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to each invention of the present application, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) By providing a consumables selection message management unit and a consumables exchange message management unit, it is possible to absorb the addition of consumables and changes in the consumables replacement procedure, and the number of consumables and the content of the replacement procedure. Regardless of the situation, the selection of consumables to be replaced and the replacement procedure for the selected consumables, that is, the control program, can be made common.

(2) According to (1) above, it is possible to flexibly deal with the addition of consumables to be replaced and changes in the replacement procedure, and it is possible to improve the extensibility of the control program.

(3) Since the addition of consumables and changes in consumables replacement procedures are absorbed by each message management section, exception handling in the control program can be reduced and reliability of the control program can be improved. Program testing can be made easier.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the basic configuration of the consumables replacement procedure display control device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of an embodiment of the consumables replacement procedure display control device, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of an embodiment of the consumables replacement procedure display control device of the present invention FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the format of the consumables selection message frame and consumables exchange message frame used in the same embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a processing flowchart for the consumables replacement operation of the same embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional consumables replacement operation procedure display control system. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, 11...Display section, 111...Display device, 112...
Display control section, 12... Input section, 121... Selection switch, 122... Replacement switch, 123... Switch panel, 124... Switch signal generation section, 13...
・Consumables selection message management unit, 131... Selected message management table, 132... Selected message table, 14... Selected message display control unit (SMDM
Control Department), 15... Consumables Exchange Message Management Department, 15
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Exchange message management table, 152... Exchange message table, 16... Exchange message display control unit (CMD control unit), 17... Operation panel, 18
...Main memory (MS), 181.181W...Work area, 182...Flag table, 183...Message management table, 184...Message table section.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A consumables replacement procedure display control method for controlling the display of the replacement procedure of each consumable to be replaced in a message format on a display unit (11), comprising: (A) a consumables selection message management unit ( 13),
A selection message for selecting consumables to be exchanged is managed for each consumable, (B) a consumables exchange message management section (15) is provided,
Manage various replacement messages related to replacement operation procedures for each consumable for each consumable, and (C) Display selection messages for each consumable managed by the consumable selection message management unit (13) in order for each consumable. (D) Retrieving replacement messages regarding the replacement operation procedure for the selected consumable from the consumable replacement message management section (15) in the order of the replacement operation procedure and displaying them on the display section (11); A consumables replacement procedure display control method characterized by: displaying the consumables replacement procedure. 2. In a consumables replacement procedure display control device that controls the display unit (11) to display the replacement procedure for each consumable to be replaced in the form of a message, (A) a selection switch for selecting a consumable to be replaced (
121) and a replacement switch (122) for selecting the replacement operation procedure for the selected consumable, an input section (12) for inputting necessary information to display the consumable replacement procedure, and (B) for selecting the replacement consumable. Consumables selection message management unit (13) that manages selection messages for each consumable item
(C) Every time a selection signal is sent from the input section (12) by pressing the selection switch (121), one selection message for each consumable managed by the consumable selection message management section (13) is selected in order. and (D) a consumables replacement message management unit that manages various replacement messages related to replacement operation procedures for each consumable for each consumable. (E) Every time an exchange signal is sent from the input unit (12) by pressing the exchange switch (122), the exchange message for the selected consumable is sent to the consumables exchange message management unit (
15), follow the replacement procedure and remove it from the display section (1).
1) A consumables replacement procedure display control device comprising a replacement message display control unit (16) for displaying a replacement message.